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Where's Wallace
Look high, look low, and maybe you will find Wallace. He goes everywhere but he's not easy to find. Copyright 1964
40 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1964
122 people want to read
About the author
Hilary Knight
139 books49 followersHilary Knight writes, "I attribute any abilities I possess to the fact that both my parents are artists and writers. My father, Clayton Knight, is well-known for his aviation paintings and books. My mother, Katharine Sturges, has done fashion drawings, fabric designs as well as many children's books" (The Horn Book, 1968).
Born in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, in 1926. Childhood spent on Long Island and in New York City. Attended Art Students League, New York, where he studied under Reginald Marsh.
The Navy interrupted his studies from 1944 to 1946, but Mr. Knight went on painting -- ships. His own career began when several of his humorous drawings were published in "House and Garden" and "Mademoiselle." His famous illustrations for Eloise by Kay Thompson came out in 1955 followed by several sequels. He has illustrated more than fifty books for children, six of which he wrote himself.
Born in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, in 1926. Childhood spent on Long Island and in New York City. Attended Art Students League, New York, where he studied under Reginald Marsh.
The Navy interrupted his studies from 1944 to 1946, but Mr. Knight went on painting -- ships. His own career began when several of his humorous drawings were published in "House and Garden" and "Mademoiselle." His famous illustrations for Eloise by Kay Thompson came out in 1955 followed by several sequels. He has illustrated more than fifty books for children, six of which he wrote himself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 24, 2019
If you did a double-take when you saw this title, don't worry - you're not alone! My immediate thought was of Martin Handford's immensely popular
Where's Waldo?
series (Where's Wally? in the original British edition), which features intensely detailed illustrations that the reader must peruse, in order to find the eponymous hero. Of course, Waldo/Wally began publication in 1987, whereas Hilary Knight's delightful picture-book came out in 1964, leading me to wonder whether this earlier work was an influence on Handford. At the very least, I now have a pretty good idea why the named was changed, here in America!
The story of Wallace, a friendly orangutan who, as he learns more about the world outside his safe home at the Central Park Zoo, begins to escape from his cage more and more often, in order to go exploring, Where's Wallace? alternates between the narrative, accompanied by two-tone illustrations, and full-color two-page spreads in which the reader must search for Wallace in crowded scenes. All the illustrations - two-tone and full-color - are simply delightful, and the story is engaging. I particularly liked the way that Mr. Frumbee, Wallace's nominal keeper, facilitates his charge's frequent breakouts, giving him the opportunity to learn and grow, before bringing him back to the safety of the zoo. Highly recommended to all Hilary Knight fans, as well as to those children who like "search-and-find" style books!
The story of Wallace, a friendly orangutan who, as he learns more about the world outside his safe home at the Central Park Zoo, begins to escape from his cage more and more often, in order to go exploring, Where's Wallace? alternates between the narrative, accompanied by two-tone illustrations, and full-color two-page spreads in which the reader must search for Wallace in crowded scenes. All the illustrations - two-tone and full-color - are simply delightful, and the story is engaging. I particularly liked the way that Mr. Frumbee, Wallace's nominal keeper, facilitates his charge's frequent breakouts, giving him the opportunity to learn and grow, before bringing him back to the safety of the zoo. Highly recommended to all Hilary Knight fans, as well as to those children who like "search-and-find" style books!
August 4, 2016
This is the original and the best!!! I have been mystified for YEARS at the inexplicable popularity of that horrible, poorly drawn "Where's Waldo" imitation compared to this classic.
Hilary Knight's drawings are beautiful, fantastically detailed and just plain so much fun to look at that it's hard to stop looking at them - try finding all the other odd characters (the runner, the mom chasing her mischievous daughter, etc..) in every scene too - this should be in every child's library!
August 9, 2022
I love this book. Easily one of my favorites.
November 16, 2025
Parents and I were talking about books they read to me as a kid and I remember this one and they don’t. It was still cute. And I think about it every few years.
January 3, 2019
This book is great! Apparently it's a classic, although I didn't have it as a child. My son got it as a hand-me-down from one of his cousins, and we've really enjoyed looking at it together. He's 4, which is just the right age to introduce this book (any younger than this and I think he would have found Wallace impossible to find; that orangutan is pretty well hidden on most of the pages).
I love the illustrations. Besides finding Wallace, there are all sorts of funny and interesting things happening on every page. In fact, I just now discovered from reading other comments here that apparently there are other characters that reoccur throughout the book. I'm wishing my son wasn't sleeping right now so that I could go sneak this book out of his room to investigate further...
This book is perfect for road trips or quiet time, as it can be used independently. My son doesn't need me to read it to him, he can just sit down and look for Wallace and enjoy the details of the illustrations all on his own. That said, it's better than the Eye Spy or Where's Waldo books because it does have a story that you can read aloud if you're in the mood.
Highly recommend this, and so glad it made its way into our house!
ETA January 2019: I still think this book is excellent. S (now almost 7) appreciates the story in the book now (it used to not hold his attention), and we still love pouring over the illustrations. Baby F got to hear this story tonight, too, although she's too little to search for Wallace.
I love the illustrations. Besides finding Wallace, there are all sorts of funny and interesting things happening on every page. In fact, I just now discovered from reading other comments here that apparently there are other characters that reoccur throughout the book. I'm wishing my son wasn't sleeping right now so that I could go sneak this book out of his room to investigate further...
This book is perfect for road trips or quiet time, as it can be used independently. My son doesn't need me to read it to him, he can just sit down and look for Wallace and enjoy the details of the illustrations all on his own. That said, it's better than the Eye Spy or Where's Waldo books because it does have a story that you can read aloud if you're in the mood.
Highly recommend this, and so glad it made its way into our house!
ETA January 2019: I still think this book is excellent. S (now almost 7) appreciates the story in the book now (it used to not hold his attention), and we still love pouring over the illustrations. Baby F got to hear this story tonight, too, although she's too little to search for Wallace.
December 18, 2008
Another favorite book from my childhood. This is such a cute book that is an original eye spy book. One page will tell about Wallace (an orangutan) and that he has disappeared again. The next page will be an illustration, and you have to find Wallace. You can also find all of Wallace's friends too (Boy with a Cello, the Naughty Girl and her mom, the Running Man, the Baby, the Cat and the Knitting Lady)
June 7, 2010
One of my very favorite books when I was a child....I would study the pictures every day looking for cute little Wallace...I remember the illustrations still. So happy that someone was able to tell me the name of this book.
August 18, 2022
A delightful book where “Curious George” meets “Where’s Waldo!”
Wallace is an orangutan and is watched over by the zookeeper Mr. Frumbee. And Mr. Frumbee recognizes that cute monkeys need to get out and satiate their curiosity ever so often. So he leaves the cage door unlocked for Wallace to escape!
Each page spread goes back and forth between Wallace getting an idea of something he wants to see and the next page spread being an entire colorful illustration where you look for Wallace.
A fun one for the kiddos!
Note: parents, this is a wordier picture book than most.
Ages: 3 - 10
Cleanliness: one scene has two ladies in bikinis and a kid without trunks on. A woman is seen smoking.
Wallace is an orangutan and is watched over by the zookeeper Mr. Frumbee. And Mr. Frumbee recognizes that cute monkeys need to get out and satiate their curiosity ever so often. So he leaves the cage door unlocked for Wallace to escape!
Each page spread goes back and forth between Wallace getting an idea of something he wants to see and the next page spread being an entire colorful illustration where you look for Wallace.
A fun one for the kiddos!
Note: parents, this is a wordier picture book than most.
Ages: 3 - 10
Cleanliness: one scene has two ladies in bikinis and a kid without trunks on. A woman is seen smoking.
June 6, 2025
I personally cannot stand this type of book BUT it is perfect for a rainy day and my children loved it. A longer read option for “picture book” category this book is the original search and find, the inspiration for Where’s Waldo. The detailed drawings ment to capture the attention of children was excellent at inducing a visual migraine for the adult while entrancing the young reader. The story reads well being great for even a very young 2 year old while also capturing the attention of an 8 year old. Well done Mrs.Knight!
February 10, 2020
Published in 1964 so a much longer book but would be good to understand if it influenced Where's Waldo? It's s seek and find and completely silly but very enjoyable. Author of the Eloise Books. Glad I found this.
March 9, 2022
This was one of my favorites as a kid! Looking for Wallace in each illustration is only part of the fun. Searching for the recurring characters will keep readers going back and forth through the pages!
April 5, 2024
Old - timey story book follows an orangutan who keeps escaping from the zoo (seemingly with help/ inspiration from his keeper.) full page spreads with detailed drawing force kids to search for the sneaky monkey.
April 18, 2025
My son, also named Wallace, was given this book for his 5th birthday and it has been on repeat ever since. The precocious monkey, along with his desire to see and experience the world, and my Wallace's desire to find him on each search spread is a pure delight.
June 26, 2020
One of my favorite childhood books! I love the creativity of the story and the pictures.
February 12, 2022
Another of my estate sale finds. A 1964 classic … great illustrations of a cheeky monkey who likes to adventure around town. Perhaps inspiration for Waldo?
September 17, 2022
My very most favorite EVER from childhood. Studying the many different scenes, colors, and characters in the panoramas of this book really have inspired my own illustrating, I realize!!
September 4, 2023
I was obsessed with finding Wallace. The illustrations in this take me back.
January 6, 2024
Entertaining and great illustrations.
June 23, 2015
This book is about an orangutan, Wallace, who lives in a zoo, but he wants to experience the world. He goes on many adventures, and his zoo keeper is always trying to find him.
I love this book because while the zoo keeper is looking for Wallace the reader is also looking for Wallace. There is text on the first page and little pictures all around the page, then on the next page there is just a huge picture with lots of details, and the reader looks for Wallace. There are also many other people and creatures on every “find” page that the reader can look for.
This book is very entertaining. And I will use it with my future children. They will be able to learn about Wallace, and then look for him and his friends. It takes children on a great adventure, and adults are enthused as well.
I love this book because while the zoo keeper is looking for Wallace the reader is also looking for Wallace. There is text on the first page and little pictures all around the page, then on the next page there is just a huge picture with lots of details, and the reader looks for Wallace. There are also many other people and creatures on every “find” page that the reader can look for.
This book is very entertaining. And I will use it with my future children. They will be able to learn about Wallace, and then look for him and his friends. It takes children on a great adventure, and adults are enthused as well.
May 20, 2010
Really cute story about a orangutan named Wallace who lives in a zoo. His friend and keeper Mr. Frumbee is not too concerned when Wallace goes looking for adventures outside the zoo, after all Mr. Frumbee knows where to find Wallace since it was usually he who planted the idea of where to go.
My favorite thing about this book is the chaos in the panoramas of the places Wallace visits. For example children sliding on a mammoth tusk, surfing on a cello or an old lady calmly knitting while astride a horse jumping the fence in the park. My favorite is the lady looking at a screaming umpire with bored indifference as he tries to convince her to stop planting petunias center field.
My favorite thing about this book is the chaos in the panoramas of the places Wallace visits. For example children sliding on a mammoth tusk, surfing on a cello or an old lady calmly knitting while astride a horse jumping the fence in the park. My favorite is the lady looking at a screaming umpire with bored indifference as he tries to convince her to stop planting petunias center field.
June 10, 2014
This bring back so many memories. I wanted to read something quick before bed when sleeping at my parents' place and couldn't find the book I was looking for so grabbed this book. I think it used to belong to my grandma and that I read it at her place as a kid. It's a Swedish edition though ("Var är Ville?"), not that it matters much.
I used to love reading this as a kid, trying to find Wallace (or Ville) and his friends. I have a soft spot for the Knitting Lady for some reason. Looking for everybody makes you really look at the entire illustration and what's happening everywhere. It's wonderful. And I remember the illustrations rather well it seems. Fond memories for sure.
I used to love reading this as a kid, trying to find Wallace (or Ville) and his friends. I have a soft spot for the Knitting Lady for some reason. Looking for everybody makes you really look at the entire illustration and what's happening everywhere. It's wonderful. And I remember the illustrations rather well it seems. Fond memories for sure.
September 21, 2015
This book uses a interesting and relaxed development to tell us the adventurous encounters between an orangutan, Wallace and his zoo keeper, Mr.Frumbee. For the first, from the beginning several stories, children can guess that each time when Wallace disappears, he must be taking his adventures somewhere else. At the same time, it attracts kids to know what exactly happens during that exacting juorney. For the second, I love the format and the way illustrations are presented. The ceative drawing can let kids better follow the development of stories by these illustrations.
March 23, 2016
We've had this book home from the library for barely over 24 hours, and my kids had school... But my nearly 4 and 6 year olds have had us read it to them 6x already (no exaggeration). They LOVE IT.
It's like a more story based, easier to find a Where's Waldo. It's a monkey who keeps getting out of the zoo thanks to his semi-accomplice zookeeper ;) My daughters also like to give high fives once they find Wallace (even when they have his spot memorized!) and love noticing all the little silly details within.
It's like a more story based, easier to find a Where's Waldo. It's a monkey who keeps getting out of the zoo thanks to his semi-accomplice zookeeper ;) My daughters also like to give high fives once they find Wallace (even when they have his spot memorized!) and love noticing all the little silly details within.
August 3, 2007
I looked at this book for hundreds of hours when I was little! It predates Where's Waldo, and is far greater in theme and substance. The little monkey is hard to find, but you get to search through fantastic drawings of the beach, a circus, an apartment building, a zoo, a baseball stadium, and more.
March 19, 2008
Long before Waldo there was Wallace, a small mischievous orangutan. Waldo is constantly escaping from the Bronx Zoo in search of excitement, keeping his trainer in hot pursuit. As a child I delighted in scanning each scenario, searching for Wallace's whereabouts. Knight's illustrations are colorful and fun and he has done a good job of "hiding" Wallace, he can be surprisingly difficult to locate.
April 16, 2012
This was one of my favorite books as a kid. My dad and sister and I would read it together (seemed to me all the time, but I wonder how often really). I've just started reading it with my girl (the very same copy) and am enjoying it all over again. (she likes it too).
[randomly set the "date read" to 1981.]
[randomly set the "date read" to 1981.]
July 17, 2016
I love me some interactive books, and I like Hilary Knight, so I was excited about this book. It proved too long for my young kiddos, so I'm thinking it's better for the older ages. In addition, Wallace is a bit hard to spot, and the kids didn't really pick up on what the zookeeper was doing. Cute book, though, with many fun illustrations with which to busy yourself.
February 18, 2009
Another great recommendation from Lisa. Thank you so much! Another retro classic.
This seems to be the original eye spy or Where's Waldo book. So much fun to find Wallace, the orangutan with my 4 year old.
This seems to be the original eye spy or Where's Waldo book. So much fun to find Wallace, the orangutan with my 4 year old.
January 28, 2012
This is one of my all time favorites. It preceded the Waldo books. I took it babysitting when I was young and the children and I would find the hidden characters on the picture pages. I now do it with my grandchildren.
May 7, 2012
Like Where's Waldo, but with an actual plot! I love Hilary Knight from his illustrations for Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, and it turns out that he's a good writer, too. This book is delightful. I was really bad at finding Wallace, but I enjoyed finding all the other hidden gems while I was looking for him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews